EU-backed investment to boost prospects of young people in SW Wales

A major project backed by EU funding to boost the prospects of young people – including those in Pembrokeshire – was announced on Wednesday, 20th July  by Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.

The project will provide individually-tailored programmes of support, including training, volunteering opportunities and paid work placements, for more than 4,500 people over the next three years.

It will be targeted at those not in education, employment or training.

Young people aged 11 to 24 years in South West Wales will benefit from Pembrokeshire County Council’s £19 million Cynnydd scheme. This includes £13 million of EU funds.

Professor Drakeford said: “I’m delighted to announce EU funding for this project, which will translate into improved skills, prospects and new opportunities for thousands of young people helping them to reach their potential.

“This is an important project benefiting from the millions of pounds Wales receives from the European Union, which in turn is helping people into work and training; are supporting businesses; improving our roads and infrastructure and helping to regenerate communities.

“This is why it’s essential that we get a guarantee from the UK Government that Wales will not lose a penny of this funding as a result of leaving the EU.

“While arrangements are being made for the UK to leave the EU, we are pressing ahead with the delivery of our existing EU programmes in Wales, investing in projects to ensure continuity for citizens, communities and businesses.”

The Cynnydd scheme aims to help young people progress further in education and training and improve their future job and career prospects.

Support will include individual mentoring, coaching and counselling; courses to improve basic skills, self-esteem and life skills and work experience and volunteering opportunities.

The investment in Cynnydd follows £30 million of EU funds invested earlier this year for similar schemes to support young people in North Wales, the South Wales Valleys and South East Wales.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Communities, Councillor Keith Lewis said: “The new Cynnydd project is a wonderful opportunity for us to improve the future for young people who without this support might have struggled against life’s challenges.

“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all project, but one that will be tailored to the needs and aspirations of each young person.”